Protester Shot in Face by LAPD During Anti-ICE Demonstration

Incident Overview

• 🎯 A protester claims he was shot in the face by an LAPD officer with a less-than-lethal weapon during an anti-ICE protest last summer.
• 💥 The incident resulted in a shattered jaw for the protester, identified as Atlachinoli Desal.

LAPD's Use of Force

• ⚠️ The LAPD had recently been ordered by a judge to stop using the 40mm less-than-lethal round for crowd control following a previous ruling.
• ⚖️ This order came after the judge found the LAPD in contempt for not limiting the use of these weapons.

Protester's Account and Injuries

• 📱 Desal was reportedly holding his phone when he was struck by the projectile.
• 🤕 He has undergone two surgeries to address his injuries.
• 🗣️ His attorney stated that firing a projectile over 200 mph at someone's face constitutes deadly force.

LAPD's Investigation and Justification

• 🔍 The LAPD is investigating the incident and stated that protesters were throwing rocks and bottles, and a firework detonated near officers.
• 🚨 An officer assigned to the central area discharged the 40mm round at a protester in response to the escalating situation.

Protester's Stance

• 💪 Despite the severe injury, Desal stated he would participate in protests again.
• 📢 He expressed anger at what he perceived as indiscriminate shooting by law enforcement.